When does Mr. Falk, Head of BVG, plan to address the issues with the underground transit system?
Berlin, Germany - Since taking the helm at Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), Berlin’s main public transport company, in 2019, Henrik Falk has faced a series of operational challenges and public discussions. However, specific performance issues under Falk’s management have primarily revolved around service punctuality, maintenance backlogs, and occasional industrial actions.
One of the most pressing issues is the frequent train cancellations and shortenings, often due to a lack of wagons, as they were ordered too late. These disruptions cause daily traffic jams and lead to the bankruptcy of small businesses. Manual entries for train cancellations in the control center only work if sufficient staff is available, as reported by Tagesspiegel.
The construction management of the BVG is also in a poor state. Construction sites for elevator installation or tunnel ceiling renovation are abandoned for years, and the system for displaying train information on platforms is outdated, only showing regular timetable data.
A major project, the elevated bridge of the U1/U3 at Gleisdreieck, built in 1912, is on the verge of collapse and will not be renewed until 2028. Whole subway stations, such as those at the Bundestag, are being painted in rainbow colors, sparking debates about the politicization of public services versus gestures of inclusivity.
The management of a transit company's primary responsibility is to ensure smooth traffic. Yet, the BVG is currently far from this goal, with irregular subway service mainly on lines 1 to 4. The decline of the BVG started during the leadership of Sigrid Nikutta (2010-2020) and Eva Kreinkamp (2020-2023), with Kreinkamp being recalled early due to dissatisfaction with her work.
Under Falk's leadership, the BVG has shown support for the "Christopher Street Day" this year, a move that pleases some but not others. Julia Kloeckner, Bundestag President (CDU), does not allow the rainbow flag to be flown on the Bundestag.
Gunnar Schupelius, a journalist at Axel Springer, questions the leadership of Henrik Falk at the BVG. If you seek more information, you can write to Gunnar Schupelius at [email protected].
Despite these challenges, photos of Falk and his team proudly displaying their work on social media with the caption: "We're happy to help show the flag." These constructions, including the Reichstag in the background, are a testament to their commitment to the city and its people. However, the question remains: Will Falk be able to steer the BVG through these difficulties and towards a more reliable and efficient public transport system?
- The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) under Henrik Falk's management has been addressing operational challenges, particularly focusing on service punctuality, maintenance backlogs, and industrial actions.
- Delays and cancellations in BVG services, often due to a lack of wagons, are causing daily traffic jams and leading to the bankruptcy of small businesses.
- The construction management of the BVG is also in a poor state, with construction sites abandoned for years and outdated train information display systems.
- A significant project, the U1/U3 at Gleisdreieck's elevated bridge, built in 1912, is on the verge of collapse and will not be renewed until 2028.
- Debates about the politicization of public services are sparked due to actions such as painting whole subway stations in rainbow colors, while the management's handling of events like the "Christopher Street Day" remains a contentious issue.
